Fireworks demystified by special eyeglasses

University Park, Pa. -- This year, for the first time, the Penn State Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics is providing special eyeglasses, free of charge, to spectators at 4thFest. The eyeglasses will enable visitors to identify the variety of atoms responsible for producing different colors of fireworks.

Thousands of pairs of eyeglasses will be distributed from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 4, at the astronomy department's Founders' Mall table at the Bryce Jordan Center. The glasses also will be handed out throughout the crowd during the fireworks show.

Like prisms, the eyeglasses break light up into its individual colors. Each of these colors is a form of energy that is created when electrons of atoms from particular elements -- such as the calcium or sodium from which many fireworks are made -- jump from positions of higher energy to positions of lower energy.

"When viewed through the eyeglasses, the colors of the fireworks will spread out in a rainbow, and will be superimposed by discrete lines of color," said Brendan Mullan, a graduate student in astronomy and astrophysics who is helping to organize the event.  "For example, a purple explosion might register as a few lines of blue and red superimposed on a full spectrum of colors. The colors of these individual lines and their locations along the spectrum can tell you what element made the flash."

Astronomers use technology similar to that of the eyeglasses in their research labs and telescopes to determine such things as the composition of extremely distant objects. 

"Not only will people at  4thFest get a chance to see how astronomers identify elements in stars, but they also will get to apply the technique to something fun like fireworks," said Chris Palma, associate director of outreach for the Eberly College of Science. "The opportunity also is a preview of some of the exciting activities in store for the upcoming AstroFest event that will take place during Arts Festival." 

More information about AstroFest is on the Web at http://www.science.psu.edu/alert/AstroFest6-2008.htm.